Hardware Development Engineer, Power

About the role

In this role, you will be instrumental in the development of power systems that support the Starlink satellite network and its associated ground infrastructure. Your responsibilities will include the design, verification, and implementation of power electronics that operate within a range from 1 watt to several kilowatts, suitable for both space and terrestrial applications. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of aerospace technology, contributing to innovative solutions that power the future of global communications.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design, analyze, and conduct testing on DC-DC power converters tailored for high-demand environments.
• Establish requirements and carry out trade studies for electrical power systems and their subsystems.
• Perform verification testing and analysis to ensure the reliability and performance of electrical power systems.
• Work closely with production, testing, and design teams to facilitate the creation of new power hardware solutions.
• Engage in troubleshooting and resolving issues that arise during the development and testing phases.
• Document design processes and test results to maintain comprehensive records for future reference.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that power systems meet the necessary specifications and standards.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in power electronics and apply this knowledge to enhance system performance.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in physics, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related STEM discipline.
• At least one year of professional experience in the development of power converters.
• Willingness to work on weekends or extended hours to meet critical project deadlines.
• Must comply with ITAR regulations, requiring U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, refugee, or asylee status.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on power electronics.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders.

Nice to have

• A master's degree in electrical engineering or a related field would be advantageous.
• Familiarity with analog control systems, discrete logic, and power electronics simulation tools.
• Experience in voltage and current mode control, compensation design, AC-DC conversion, and power factor correction techniques.
• Knowledge of various DC-DC topologies, as well as fault tolerance, reliability assessments, and failure mode effects and criticality analysis.
• Understanding of planar or wire-wound transformers and inductors, along with impedance and loop-gain measurement techniques.
• Awareness of spacecraft power systems, including the effects of radiation, solar arrays, and safety protocols for lithium-ion battery handling.

Skills & tools

• Expertise in DC-DC converter design and development.
• Proficient in power electronics modeling and simulation methodologies.
• Strong background in analog control and discrete logic applications.
• Experience with fault-tolerant design principles.
• Knowledge of power supply testing and packaging techniques.

Practical notes

• Salary range: Level I ($105,000 - $120,000); Level II ($115,000 - $145,000).
• Compensation package may include stock options, long-term incentives, discretionary bonuses, and participation in an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Comprehensive benefits package featuring medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, disability insurance, paid parental leave, three weeks of vacation, and over ten paid holidays annually.
• Company-provided shuttle services operate Monday through Friday, connecting select locations in Seattle to the Redmond office, facilitating easy commuting for employees.

Joining SpaceX as a Hardware Development Engineer in the Power team means becoming part of a mission-driven organization that is redefining the aerospace industry. If you are passionate about power electronics and eager to contribute to groundbreaking projects, we encourage you to apply and be part of our journey to revolutionize global communications through the Starlink initiative.

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.